Blackhead Path

This seaside walk goes from Whitehead Boat Club to and around Blackhead. The path runs northeast from Whitehead and is lined by interesting wildlife habitats including grassland, woodland (known locally as the 'Magic Forest') and a rocky shoreline. The Lough itself is an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) famed for its bird population.

County

Antrim

Distance

2.4 miles

OS Map

Nearest Town

Whitehead

Route Shape

Linear

Route Type

Beach, Coastal, Woodland

Terrain

Level surfaced path, steep steps

Grid Reference (Start)

J478923

Grid Reference (End)

J478923

Point of Interest

The Blackhead Lighthouse

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Other Area

Route Description

This walk starts at Whitehead Yacht Club and leads along a coastal path and up some steep steps to Blackhead Lighthouse. From here walkers descend some more steep steps back to the coastal path and back to the car park.

At present, the section of path around Blackhead itself is currently closed. This is due to damage to the path and to the handrails which have collapsed in places. There is a programme of maintenance works underway, and we will update the website when these works have been completed.

Getting to the Start (by Public Transport)

Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

Getting to the Start (by Car)

By car take the A2 from Carrickfergus or Larne. Car parking is available at the start of Blackhead Path.

Accessibility Grade

Grade 5

Accessible Facilities

The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:

Disabled toilets

Facilities

Car park, toilets - 10p. There are also several shelters along the walk.

Whitehead has a number of cafe facilities and public toilets.

Whitehead can be reached by car, bus and train. For further information on public transport options visit www.translink.co.uk.

Publication

Whitehead Highway to Health. Whitehead Wildlife Walk. The Causeway Coast + Glens.

Publication Availability

Contact Carrickfergus Tourist Information Centre - tel: 028 9335 8049 or email: touristinfo@carrickfergus.org. Whitehead Wildlife Walk and The Causeway Coast + Glens Walking Guide also available to download on this page.